Press Release: The first and only governing body in boxing history exclusively for United States citizens - American Boxing Association (ABA) -- has been officially sanctioned by the Association of Boxing Commissions. "This is a monumental time in boxing history because the ABA is the first and only belt to be fought for and defended in America, by American citizens," ABA Chairman Dean Smith said. "Like there are British champions, for example, why should the greatest country in the world not have an America champion?" The ABA will feature champions in 17 weight classes, for both men and women, open to any American in the (ABA) top 40 ratings to fight for and defend with a sense of national pride. The ABA is also waiving its sanctioning fees for its first championship bout in every weight division. The (ABA) is also donating 5-percent of all its sanction fees to The Boys and Girls Clubs of America in cities across the country. ABA Championship Committee members also include Rick Alston, Steve Holdsworth, Buddy Bereal, Jim Borzell and Col. Bob Sheridan.